On Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 10:25 PM, Peter Harrison <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> I've been doing some robotics with Openmoko; with the Neo 1973. I thought I > would introduce myself a little. > > Since January this year I have been working on a solar powered autonomous > boat project. I decided on using a Openmoko as the on board computer as it > has excellent power requirement characteristics and also has on board GPS > and GPRS. This deals with several subsystems at once. It is also a capable > computer compared to other low power CPU's such as PIC chips. > > In this first video I show my boat on the water for the first time. At this > point it is remote controlled. > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab8tF5bYF-k > > In the next video I show the Neo 1973 after purchasing it off eBay. At this > point I have managed to install the python based control software. > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NUJ4dnI-54 > > My first test of the Neo on the water involved returning telemtry about the > position. This involved gathering data from the GPS and sending it via GPRS, > but not yet actually controlling the boat. > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7gp08CzYZQ > > Finally I complete the power supply and control aspects required for the > Neo to perform autonomous navigation and test it on the water. Sadly not all > goes to plan. > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1SCOz2UYuw > > In my most recent video I once again try to test the OpenBoat, but even > with software refinements all does not go to plan. > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I476DgnJFws > > The key to my robotic work has been made possible with Phidget controllers > which allow me to control servos and motor controller via USB. I have > compiled the Phidgets library for the Neo, and am using the Python bindings > provided by Phidget. > > Future: > I intend to resolve the existing navigation issues by introducing a solid > state magnetic compass. At the same time I will introduce better power > management by measuring power use over time, along with heat and light > conditions. I would also like to add video via a external USB webcam. > However, this won't be video; just stills. If anyone has done this with a > Neo I would like to hear about it. I will keep everyone up to date with my > progress. > > Open Source: > I intend to make all the software I've written open source. Its not exactly > working right now, so I've been reluctant to release it. That said if there > are people out there wanting to collaborate I'm only to happy to make it > available. > > I've seen your stuff on YouTube about a week ago. It's pretty cool. With the GPS and some sensors connected through USB you could do some pretty neat stuff with automated sounding of depth and water content measurements. -Charles
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